Boclair is clueless... (Finnegan contract)

I think the Titans want Finnegan. Despite inconsistent play the previous two seasons, he had a solid season this year and seemed to perfect for Gray's defense. But I would be shocked that the Titans did much besides talk structure until mid-February. I think the tag has to be made around the 25th and it seems negotiation never get serious until days before free agency.

Just to give everyone some basis for what Finnegan may be looking for:

I personally don't think Finnegan is a top 10 CB though he may feel very differently. I would rank him closer to #15.

I think the key to any contract is the guaranteed money. Total sum of the contract can be inflated with a lot of base the final two seasons the player often never sees.

I'm guessing 5-year, $40M, $16M guaranteed (with about half that an injury guarantee) is fair but I doubt that gets it done. Someone will pay him $50M/$22M so that is what it might take.

I believe the tag would cost the Titans over $10M next season which takes a big dent out of that $30M of cap room they have now. It would tie their hands since they like to enter the season with a few million in case someone goes down. I'd bet both sides want to get a deal done.

Everyone keeps talking like we have to resign Hope or Griffin and if not we'll lose half of our secondary. Keep in mind Babineaux led the team in tackles and played most of the season. Resigning him to a 2 or 3 year deal would keep some continuity back there without having to resign either.

CB is a very important position and as such you see teams spend money on CBs. If Finny isn't on our roster then we will be spending very very little money on a key position. Verner is on his rookie deal until 2014 and McCourty is on his rookie deal until 2013.

Most people feel that in todays NFL where passing numbers are at an all-time high that you need 3 starting CBs. This really means that you need 4 solid CBs because more than likely 1 will get hurt at some point in the season.

If we can't get a long term deal done with Finny then we can easily franchise him.

Finny is much more than just a nickleback. He is a starting CB who is a leader on our team.

I wouldn't be surprised if we didn't sign McCourty to a long term deal. Lock him up before he has a true breakout year.

This. While Finny isn't Revis, he's a very good corner and as you said, brings leadership. And he always plays with a high energy no matter what the score is. He's not expendable. Resigning Finny at a reasonable price should be a top priority.

Why can't we trust Verner and McCourty? McCourty is already a starter. Verner has been on the outside every time the Titans go to the nickel. Both should continue to improve.

As for the value of the nickel because they moved Finnegan inside, I think it was to better utilize Finnegan's abilities. Personally, I think it was a success but the question is whether or not the Titans feel it was enough to sink a big chunk of money into a guy who has been pretty average the two previous seasons or if there are areas of bigger need.

And look at it this way as well, Gray trusted the tandem of McCourty and Verner to have them on the field together at corner in passing situations. That would not have happened if they thought Verner/McCourty were liabilities.

Whether they get a deal done or use the tag, Finnegan will be a Titan next season, IMO.

I agree with just about all of this. I think Finnegan's contract should account for his part time nickle play.

All I really mean about not going with Verner and JMc on the outside full time - yeah, it could maybe work - is, why would the Titans do that unless they had no choice. Strategically, it's a conclusion that might not work so well. I think we both want Finny resigned and believe it'll happen some way.

I would personally be fine with the younger guys on the outside full time if Verner either wins in camp or has another season or so proving himself out there. He needs safety help on long balls, and that area is still a question.

Nickel corner is becoming an extremely valuable position in today's NFL. I could see it being a sticking point in negotiations. It's not a 3rd-string role like in the past. In some ways (and some schemes), it's the most important cornerback position.

Finnegan is not a top corner and shouldn't be paid like one. He's not a guy like Jonathan Joseph, Champ Bailey or Darrell Revis who can line up against the opposing team's best WR and play him all day.

Bailey? Joseph? Really? Finnegan is better than both right now. Yes, even Joseph. If we have their pass rush, Finnegan destroys, as he did before. His move to nickel didn't have anything to do with not being able to play on the outside. It had to do with the fact that we were getting eat alive out of the slot.

Finnegan is the most versatile player on our defense. He is a safety converted corner and he can rush the passer. He's just hitting his prime. Injuries haven't been a concern with him so far. Not re-signing him would be a huge mistake. If we have two other guys getting it done on the outside, good. We still need Finnegan on the field somewhere.

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